As a candidate for the Lisbon Charter Commission, I want to encourage Lisbon citizens to vote on Aug. 7 to elect six members. The May town meeting vote to establish this nine-member commission may ultimately result in a change of form of government. Any proposed change will itself need approval by the voters. Lisbon has had a town meeting form of government since 1799, but the Legislature, under home rule, allows alternatives.
Many critics of the town meeting have suggested an elected town council would be a more efficient and responsible way to govern a modern town of 9,000 inhabitants, and they may be right. But I want to hear from the residents of the town and be open-minded and thoughtful. As a Lisbon selectman for over seven years, I learned how much of a difference public input can make.
As your state representative, I want to again encourage people to vote and feel free to contact me on this or any other issue.
Robert A. “Bob” Berube, Lisbon
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